DISABILITY: FINANCIAL SURVIVAL PLAN
By far, the largest benefit for the average disabled person is from the Social Security Administration. Surviving disability requires that you apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Sadly, most applications for benefits are initially denied. You need to appeal immediately and prepare for a personal hearing. As a disability advocate for many years, having handled thousands of disability cases, here is my advice:
1) Make certain your medical records are up to the minute and received by Social Security. This is largely the information they will use to decide if you can get benefits. Submit all records from all doctors, and other medical providers.
2) Beg your doctor for a form called a "Treating Source Statement." On this form, your doctor will enumerate all your physical and mental limitations in function--from lifting to concentrating. This form will work wonders if properly formatted and completed. Letters don't work so well.
3) Know what the Social Security rules require. You can't get paid a benefit unless you meet the rules set down by law. It is not an arbitrary process. There is a reason why some people get benefits and others do not. Some people knew the rules and met them; others didn't bother to find out.
4) Consider getting an attorney or "advocate" who will struggle alongside you (for free unless you win) until your claim is decided. The quest for SSDI benefits can be long, lonely, frustrating and difficult. Having a pro in your corner will certainly make it easier and improve your odds of success. There's no risk. If you don't get your benefits, there will be no cost. In fact, any fee charged by the attorney must be paid only out of your past due benefits. If there are no past due benefits, no fee is payable.
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Practice Limited to Social Security Disability
7027 Old Madison Pike NW - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
PH (256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE - WEBSITE
Sadly, most applications for benefits are initially denied. You need to appeal immediately and prepare for a personal hearing. As a disability advocate for many years, having handled thousands of disability cases, here is my advice:
1) Make certain your medical records are up to the minute and received by Social Security. This is largely the information they will use to decide if you can get benefits. Submit all records from all doctors, and other medical providers.
2) Beg your doctor for a form called a "Treating Source Statement." On this form, your doctor will enumerate all your physical and mental limitations in function--from lifting to concentrating. This form will work wonders if properly formatted and completed. Letters don't work so well.
3) Know what the Social Security rules require. You can't get paid a benefit unless you meet the rules set down by law. It is not an arbitrary process. There is a reason why some people get benefits and others do not. Some people knew the rules and met them; others didn't bother to find out.
4) Consider getting an attorney or "advocate" who will struggle alongside you (for free unless you win) until your claim is decided. The quest for SSDI benefits can be long, lonely, frustrating and difficult. Having a pro in your corner will certainly make it easier and improve your odds of success. There's no risk. If you don't get your benefits, there will be no cost. In fact, any fee charged by the attorney must be paid only out of your past due benefits. If there are no past due benefits, no fee is payable.
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Practice Limited to Social Security Disability
7027 Old Madison Pike NW - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
PH (256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE - WEBSITE
If you are becoming disabled to work and think you may have to quit (or get terminated), check to see if your employer has a company sponsored disability insurance policy. This may be an option while you wait out a Social Security application. Some disability policies allow a disabled worker to receive up to two-thirds of their regular salary as a benefit. This benefit will not interfere with Social Security applications.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to file for Social Security disability as soon as you stop working because of a disability. There is no waiting period before filing an application. Delays can cost you money. We assist our clients with filing applications FREE. Never pay us a fee for representation unless you WIN and collect past due benefits. (256) 799-0297.
ReplyDeleteIt can take months, or even years, to get Social Security disability approved. You need a financial plan to pay the bills while you are waiting. Your employer's group disability insurance may be a heaven-sent benefit. Many group disability plans at work will pay up to two-thirds of your usual salary if you become disabled. Don't wait too long to file. Check with your personnel department to see what is available, how to apply, etc. These benefits DO NOT interfere with your ability to get Social Security disability checks.
ReplyDeleteSeems that Social Security is denying a higher than ever percentage of disability claims in Alabama. The only cure is to appeal your denial within the 60-day deadline and take your case before an administrative law judge, who can review it and give you a new, corrected decision. Most of the claims that we are winning these days come through judges and hearings.
ReplyDelete